Just imagine the excitement about Morse code back in the day...true story...picture this in your mind. Long after Morse and several companies had set up telegraph lines all around the world...June 10, 1871 he was being honored by unveiling a statue of Morse in New York City's Central Park and the formal ceremony was held that evening in the Academy of Music, the largest opera house at that time which seated 4 thousand but was packed to standing room only. The dramatic highlight of the evening, the telegraph instruments used on the original Washington-Baltimore line were placed at center stage, but set up to connect with lines all over the world. A young female operator clicked off to a global telegraph community a greeting chosen by Morse. As she finished and left the table in walked the aged Morse and approached the table. The tremendous applause ceased as his hand touched the key and began tapping the letters of his name...M O R S. As he came to the final E, a single dit, the telegraphers in the audience jumped to their feet, cheering and waving handkerchiefs.
To me, giving up CW would be like giving up my personal protection. They will pry both from my cold dead fingers.
I always slow down when requested, though I tend to make a lot of mistakes at that point. One OP really cracked me up. He asked me to slow down, so I did, but my sending was so impaired at slow speed that he asked me to speed up again! I always laugh when I remember that.
No code requirement for me in 2010, but in less than 18 months I was mostly a CW guy. So there you go.
In Eugene (where I live) I recently (a week ago) started a 10 meter slow CW net. The idea is that we will operate slowly enough for everyone practicing to get some real, on-air practice like we did when we were novice licensees (I got my Novice in 1984). We operate on 28.450 MHz, which is significant because we can easily switch to SSB to discuss what was sent, the frequency is accessible to any license class operator, and unless there's really strong sporadic W, it's not crowded on typical Thursday evenings. Even though I enjoy 35-40 wpm, I am happy to slow down to let others get some practice. We have had a number of club members go through the CW Academy in the past six months, and this gives them a good place to focus and get some much needed practice. Be the change you wish to see. Start a local slow net. Scott N7JI
Very interesting thanks for posting this. I don't think it says much to compare FT8 with other modes. To me it similar to comparing deep sea fishing to fishing in a small lake. Both are fishing yet so different requiring different skills not really comparable.
You are right, However, 76% of Hams only have a dipole and with 100watts. Using the FT8 (Yes robotic), or JS8CALL (Having a QSO), will bear more DX when comparing CW (As the software VOACAP illustrates)... For the eager new Ham who desires to work DX with modest set up, and sun spots zero, the FT8 (Robotic), and JS8CALL one can work around the world...,You can with CW, but you need more power and better antenna, when compared to FT8 / JS8CALL...As the VOACAP software clearly illustrates. And I always end with the following JS8CALL, you can have a QSO, with 20wpm (About)...and JS8CALL has the same specifications as FT8...
I figured you'd say that, Chris .... many of us *have* lobbied the FCC ... *and* the ARRL .... but we get that old tired "not enough resources" shtick about enforcement .... and we get the "well, it's an international treaty" thing about the dropping of the CW requirement. Sure, we'll keep on trying .... I just didn't want you to think I'm a career "bellyacher" ... 73 es thanks for the dialogue!! K9CTB/Neil
I use it for CwCommunicator over the internet when I get brave enough and think my spelling is good that day. You don't even need an Amateur Radio License to send it on CwCom. Just a love of Morse Code. Same way for Superaldis3 ( morse code by light ) . It can be used for practice for ship to ship, or if you just want to try the flashlight way.
I read in a non-amateur radio publication some time ago that the practice of Morse code can be an aid in avoiding dementia and Alzheimer disease. Of course the sooner the skill, like any language, is acquired the better. Don't wait until you are a senior citizen. I learned Morse when doing my radio op military hitch. Age 18. Never lost it and at age 80 still at it. 73/72
And therein lies the issue. Despite some interest in CW by newer hams, by and large its fading into the sunset, just like tube equipment and Esperanto. The driving need is long gone, so its now special interest mode with a steep learning curve. No reason at all to attack or discontinue this mode for those who enjoy it - this is a multifaceted hobby. But in the end, the new and emerging crop of hams will decide. It will be what will be.